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In this episode of Badass Women in Business, hosts Aggie and Cristy are joined by Valentina Milanova, founder and CEO of Daye. Valentina shares her journey from studying law and business to pioneering innovation in gynecological health. She discusses the challenges women face in securing venture funding, especially in healthcare, and highlights Daye's groundbreaking work in developing CBD tampons and diagnostic products that support women's health in accessible and effective ways. Valentina’s candid discussion of the obstacles in women’s health innovation, along with her inspiring approach to team management and social impact, offers a unique look into the femtech space and the importance of creating products that genuinely support women's well-being.

Show Notes

• Introduction: Valentina Milanova, founder of Daye, shares her mission to innovate gynecological health.
• Founding Daye: Valentina's health experiences led to creating solutions for women’s health gaps.
• CBD Tampons: Discusses Daye’s CBD-infused tampons for natural menstrual pain relief.
• FemTech Challenges: Funding disparities faced by female founders in healthcare innovation.
• Diagnostic Tampons: Daye’s product screens for STIs, HPV, and vaginal health issues to boost access to preventive care.
• Leadership Insights: Valentina’s focus on supportive, intuitive team-building.
• Sustainability: Daye is a B Corp and carbon-neutral, partnering with organizations for social impact.
• Future Vision: Researching the vaginal microbiome to advance health solutions and reduce stigma.

Connect with Valentina & Daye: Website | LinkedIn | TikTok | Instagram

Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:

• Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders
• Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
• LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
• Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com

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Episode Summary

In this episode of the Badass Women in Business podcast, we talk with Shannon Diesch, CEO and co-founder of Quarter, a pioneering platform that redefines real estate investment through equity-based co-ownership and tokenization. Shannon discusses Quarter's mission to make homeownership accessible to Millennials, Gen Z, and financially underserved communities. By allowing investments in owner-occupied real estate, Quarter provides affordable housing options and financial stability, paving the way for a fresh approach to property ownership.

Shannon shares her journey as a young entrepreneur, the challenges of leading a mission-driven company, and her strategies to balance investor interests with housing affordability. She also highlights how Quarter enables investors to engage in real estate with minimal management responsibilities, receiving returns without the upkeep concerns typical in property investments.

Show Notes

• Introduction – Meet Shannon Diesch, CEO of Quarter, and explore the platform’s goal of accessible homeownership through innovative real estate models.
• Equity-Based Co-Ownership – Shannon explains how Quarter's model supports affordable home financing, creating real estate investment opportunities for underrepresented groups.
• Personal Story and Mission – Hear Shannon’s backstory and the motivations that led her to champion housing stability and financial freedom.
• Investor Perspective – Learn how Quarter provides investors a hands-off, pooled investment option with monthly returns and property appreciation without direct property management.
• Tokenization and Technology – Insights into Quarter's use of blockchain technology to simplify real estate transactions and broaden investor accessibility.
• CEO Challenges and Growth – Shannon opens up about her experience leading a purpose-driven company, balancing investor needs with the platform’s core mission.
• Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs – Shannon’s advice on staying mission-focused and the importance of a strong support network when facing entrepreneurial challenges.
• How to Connect – Learn more about investing or exploring homeownership with Quarter.

Connect with Shannon and Quarter

• Website: Quarter
• LinkedIn: Quarter
• X (formerly Twitter): @LiveQuarter

Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:

• Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders
• Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
• LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
• Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Badass Women in Business welcomes Diana Khan, a Maryland-based attorney and entrepreneur who leads seven interconnected businesses, including DK Law Group. Diana talks with Aggie and Cristy about managing multiple roles with efficiency and a no-nonsense approach. She breaks down her strategy of “pivot and triage”—her process for prioritizing and adapting daily. Diana also shares her take on unconventional hiring practices, finding the right team fit by focusing on strengths over traditional job titles.

Reflecting on past partnerships, Diana outlines what she's learned about setting boundaries and clear expectations to make collaborations sustainable. Finally, she gives advice on staying focused and motivated through self-assessment and learning to let go of expectations that don’t align with personal values.

Show Notes:

• Guest Introduction: Diana Khan, attorney and owner of seven vertically integrated businesses
• Pivot and Triage: Practical strategies for managing a demanding workload
• Hiring for Fit: Why Diana emphasizes strengths and flexibility over rigid job descriptions
• Partnership Insights: Learning the importance of setting boundaries and aligning goals
• Personal Growth: Diana’s approach to defining success and adapting to change

Where to Connect with Diana:

• DK Law Group
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• Instagram

Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:

• Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders
• Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
• LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
• Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com

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In this episode of the Badass Women in Business podcast, Aggie and Cristy sit down with Lauren Shaw and Lauren Capwell, co-founders of Clarity Playbook™. The Laurens share their fascinating entrepreneurial journeys and how they have created a suite of AI-powered tools to help business owners streamline their processes, gain clarity on their ideal clients, and ultimately, free up more time for growth.

Lauren Shaw talks about her path from professional hula hoop dancer to seven-figure business owner and her transition into the online business world. Lauren Capwell shares her background in aerospace engineering, her deep passion for AI, and how she leveraged this expertise to co-create Clarity Playbook™.

The episode dives into how the Laurens have used AI to collect and analyze data from hundreds of female entrepreneurs, identifying common pain points and using those insights to create tools that empower business owners to save time and create more freedom. They also discuss the challenges of building a business with freedom as a core value and the importance of aligning your work with your personal goals.

Throughout their conversation, they highlight the importance of partnership, balancing complementary skill sets, and how different AI tools can streamline business operations. They also share advice on how to scale a business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Takeaways:

• Use AI and automation to streamline business processes and save time.
• Clarity on your ideal client is key to business success.
• Scaling a business requires strong foundational systems and operations.
• Align your business goals with your desired lifestyle for long-term happiness.
• Licensing business tools can be a way to scale without sacrificing freedom.

Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
01:05 - Lauren Shaw’s Journey: From Hula Hooping to a Seven-Figure Business
07:20 - Lauren Capwell’s Journey: From Aerospace to AI and Automation
12:45 - The Power of Partnership: Complementary Skill Sets
18:22 - Leveraging AI for Market Research and Business Clarity
23:01 - Building the Client Clarity Playbook™
29:43 - Scaling with AI: Automation to Streamline Processes
35:21 - Aligning Your Business with Your Lifestyle
40:32 - The Challenges of Constant Travel While Building a Business
46:55 - Future Vision: Licensing and AI Training for Women Entrepreneurs
50:48 - Final Thoughts: Embracing Risks and Taking Small Steps

Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:

• Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders
• Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
• LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
• Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com

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In this episode of the Badass Women in Business podcast, Aggie and Cristy sit down with Mo Carrier, co-founder of MyBliss®, to discuss the journey behind building a sexual wellness brand dedicated to women's health. Mo opens up about her personal experiences with birth control and how it led her to start MyBliss®, a company focused on developing condoms that prioritize women’s comfort and vaginal health. She shares the challenges of breaking into the market, particularly as a young female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry.

From facing sexism while raising capital to dealing with personal hardships such as miscarriages, Mo’s story is a testament to perseverance and the power of creating solutions that matter. She talks about the innovative design of MyBliss® Ultra-Thin Condoms, which have been recognized by Cosmopolitan as the Best Condom of 2024, and the importance of breaking down stigmas surrounding women's sexual health. Mo also shares her insights on the value of having a clear vision, staying grounded, and building relationships that support your entrepreneurial journey.

Takeaways:

• Women’s health products should be designed with women's bodies in mind.
• Breaking into male-dominated industries requires resilience and clear vision.
• Entrepreneurship comes with personal sacrifices, but perseverance can pay off.
• Stigmas around sexual health can be addressed through thoughtful product design and messaging.
• Asking for help and building a supportive network is essential for success.
• Staying focused on your core product can set a strong foundation for growth.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
00:35 - Inspiration Behind MyBliss®: Filling a Gap in Women’s Health
10:20 - Breaking Barriers: Challenges as a Female Entrepreneur in Sexual Wellness
15:12 - Personal Struggles: Miscarriages and Staying Resilient in Business
20:47 - Innovating the Condom Industry: Vaginal Health and Design
28:09 - Navigating Stigma: Repositioning Sexual Wellness Products for Women
33:17 - The Power of Relationships: Asking for Help and Building a Network
37:25 - Looking Ahead: Growing MyBliss® and Future Products
42:50 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

New episodes of Badass Women in Business are released every Tuesday. Tune in for more candid conversations with fearless leaders.

Find MyBliss® online:
Instagram

Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:

• Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders
• Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
• LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
• Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com

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In this episode of Badass Women in Business, Aggie and Cristy sit down with Jayshree Seth, Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate at 3M. Jayshree shares her journey from being a scientist focused on research to becoming an advocate for science, diversity, and representation in STEM.

Jayshree talks about the evolving role of thought leadership in her work, explaining how it pushes her to think beyond her immediate projects and consider broader societal impacts. She emphasizes the importance of public perception and why it’s critical to make science more visible and accessible to everyone. Jayshree’s role at 3M includes not only advocating for the importance of science but also working to break down stereotypes and barriers that often keep underrepresented groups out of STEM fields.

Jayshree also talks about her book The Heart of Science: Engineering Footprints, Fingerprints & Imprints, which explores the impact of diversity, innovation, and thought leadership in STEM. All proceeds from the book go to a scholarship fund supporting underrepresented minority women in STEM.

Throughout the conversation, Jayshree reflects on the significance of diversity in driving innovation, the necessity of challenging ingrained biases, and how she navigated her own identity as a woman in science. She offers practical insights into how we can all play a role in promoting science and innovation that benefits everyone.

Key Takeaways:

• Thought leadership requires thinking beyond personal or organizational goals, focusing on broader societal impacts.
• Science plays a critical role in addressing global challenges, but it is often underappreciated or misunderstood by the public.
• Diverse perspectives are essential in science to drive meaningful innovation.
• Stereotypes about who "belongs" in STEM fields must be actively challenged.
• Authentic leadership and a commitment to advocacy can influence change at both individual and systemic levels.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
00:30 - Jayshree’s Path from Scientist to Advocate
06:45 - The Role of Thought Leadership in Science
12:20 - Public Perception of Science and Why It Matters
19:10 - Addressing Stereotypes and Breaking Down Barriers in STEM
24:25 - Diversity’s Role in Innovation
30:00 - Authenticity in Leadership and Advocacy
35:40 - Jayshree’s Ongoing Work at 3M

Listen to the full episode to learn more about Jayshree’s work and how she’s advocating for a future where science is inclusive and impactful.

Connect with Jayshree:

• Linkedin
• Instagram
• X

Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:

• Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders
• Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
• LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
• Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com

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In this episode of the Badass Women in Business podcast, Aggie and Cristy chat with Jen Sugermeyer, Founder & CEO of ATA Cosmetics, to explore her inspiring journey from IT leadership to the beauty industry. Jen shares how her career shift allowed her to pursue her passion for creating impact, which led to the founding of ATA Cosmetics. She discusses her patented innovation, the Jade Applicator, a skincare and makeup tool that is changing the way we approach beauty routines.

Jen’s story is rooted in personal development, having authored three books on confidence, boundaries, and the RESET method. Her work has been featured on major outlets like FOX, NBC, ABC, Entrepreneur, and Recovery Today Magazine. Jen opens up about overcoming obstacles, staying true to her unique vision, and embracing individuality as a key to success.

Throughout the episode, Jen provides actionable advice on how to turn ideas into reality, build confidence, and push through the inevitable "no's" that come with any entrepreneurial journey. She emphasizes that everything you need to succeed is already within you, encouraging listeners to trust themselves and their vision, no matter the challenges.

Takeaways:

• Embrace your true identity and lean into authenticity.
• Overcome limiting beliefs and align your personal and professional life.
• Explore personal finances and the wealth gap to empower women.
• Manifestation and human design can support personal and professional growth.
• Find your superpower and use it to scale your business.
• Understand how societal conditioning can create limiting beliefs for women.
• Spreadsheets and financial projections can be empowering tools.
• Wealth should be viewed holistically, considering various factors.
• Practical advice for those on the edge of entrepreneurship and those feeling lost in business.

Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
00:25 - Embracing Authenticity: Finding Your True Identity
06:30 - From IT to Cosmetics: Navigating Career Transitions
19:09 - Personal Finances and the Wealth Gap: Empowering Women
23:42 - Manifestation and Human Design: Tools for Growth
27:55 - Scaling Your Business with Your Superpower
30:09 - Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs
35:08 - Empowering Women Financially
38:17 - The Power of Spreadsheets
40:33 - Wealth Beyond Money
49:08 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Connect with Jen:
ATA Cosmetics
Facebook
TikTok
Instagram

Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:

• Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders
• Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
• LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
• Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com

Send us a text

In this episode of Badass Women in Business, hosts Aggie and Cristy welcome Simone Cimiluca-Radzins, CPA, entrepreneur, and founder of Freedom Sun, a financial empowerment platform for women. Simone shares her journey from growing up in financial instability to advising Fortune 500 companies, celebrities, and entrepreneurs on building financial independence.

Throughout the conversation, Simone emphasizes the importance of financial literacy, mindset, and empowerment for women entrepreneurs. She breaks down how personal and professional growth can intersect and discusses practical tools like spreadsheets, manifestation, and human design that can help business owners overcome limiting beliefs and align their business with their values.

Simone's advice touches on key financial principles while also addressing the deeper work of personal development, showing how the two are interconnected for long-term success in business.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace your true identity: Lean into authenticity in both your personal and professional life.
• Overcome limiting beliefs: Recognize and challenge the societal conditioning that often holds women back.
• Explore personal finances and the wealth gap: Understanding this empowers women to take control of their financial futures.
• Manifestation and human design: These tools can support growth in business and life.
• Find your superpower: Use it to scale your business in a way that feels aligned with who you are.
• Empowering women financially: This is essential for creating long-term impact.
• Spreadsheets and financial projections: These tools can be empowering and help business owners gain clarity.
• Wealth is holistic: It’s not just about money—consider other factors that contribute to a fulfilling life and successful business.
• Advice for entrepreneurs: Simone offers guidance both for those about to take the leap and for business owners feeling stuck.

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction and Welcome
• 00:25 – Embracing Authenticity: Finding Your True Identity
• 06:30 – From CPA to Entrepreneur: Navigating Career Transitions
• 19:09 – Personal Finances and the Wealth Gap: Empowering Women
• 23:42 – Manifestation and Human Design: Tools for Growth
• 27:55 – Scaling Your Business with Your Superpower
• 30:09 – Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs
• 35:08 – Empowering Women Financially
• 38:17 – The Power of Spreadsheets
• 40:33 – Wealth Beyond Money
• 49:08 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Simone's story is a powerful example of how financial independence and personal growth go hand-in-hand, and her insights are a valuable resource for women looking to build sustainable, impactful businesses.

Connect with Simone:
TikTok

Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:

• Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders
• Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
• LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
• Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com